DRACUT — Chief of Police Peter Bartlett reports that the Dracut Police Department arrested and charged a 17-year-old Tewksbury boy with several felony charges in connection with an alleged carjacking.
A 17-YEAR-OLD MALE, OF TEWKSBURY, was arrested and charged with:
- Assault with a Dangerous Weapon on a Person Over 60
- Armed Kidnapping
- Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
- Armed Carjacking
On Saturday, Jan. 21, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Dracut Police responded to a report of an attempted carjacking with a firearm in the area of 2083 Bridge St.
An investigation determined that a male in a long fur coat, later identified as the JUVENILE, approached a man who was pumping gas, brandished a firearm, and demanded the keys to a vehicle. The vehicle owner declined to provide his keys, and the suspect left the area in another vehicle.
At approximately 10:15 a.m., another male came to the Dracut Police station and reported he had been previously kidnapped at gunpoint by a male later allegedly identified as the JUVENILE.
The Dracut Police investigation determined the vehicle the suspect fled the gas station in was an Uber, whose driver had picked up the JUVENILE elsewhere on Bridge Street. The JUVENILE allegedly brandished a handgun and demanded the Uber driver drive him around the area at gunpoint. Eventually, the JUVENILE allowed the Uber driver to refuel at the gas station on Bridge Street, at which time the JUVENILE is believed to have attempted to carjack the other man.
There were no reported injuries.
The JUVENILE, who is known to police, later turned himself in. He was arraigned Monday in Lowell Juvenile Court.
Charges represent accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt under the United States Constitution. With the exception of those charged as youthful offenders, juvenile proceedings are closed to the public.